From the Research
The third part of the maxillary artery passes into the pterygopalatine fossa through the pterygomaxillary fissure. This anatomical arrangement is crucial for understanding the vascular supply to the midface region and for procedures involving the posterior maxilla. The maxillary artery, which originates from the external carotid artery, has three parts based on its relationship to the lateral pterygoid muscle. After the second part passes between the two heads of the lateral pterygoid muscle (or sometimes around the muscle), the third part enters the pterygopalatine fossa through the pterygomaxillary fissure, as described in the study by 1. Once inside the pterygopalatine fossa, the third part of the maxillary artery gives off several branches that supply the nasal cavity, palate, and parts of the pharynx. The most recent and highest quality study, 2, characterizes the surgical anatomy of the infratemporal fossa in the context of Le Fort III osteotomies and their associated pterygomaxillary dysjunctions, further supporting the importance of understanding the anatomy of the maxillary artery in this region. Key points to consider include:
- The pterygomaxillary fissure is a vertical cleft that forms an important communication between the infratemporal fossa and the pterygopalatine fossa.
- The maxillary artery has three parts based on its relationship to the lateral pterygoid muscle.
- The third part of the maxillary artery enters the pterygopalatine fossa through the pterygomaxillary fissure.
- The branches of the maxillary artery supply the nasal cavity, palate, and parts of the pharynx. Understanding these anatomical relationships is essential for minimizing postsurgical morbidity and intraoperative complications, as highlighted by the studies 1, 3, 2, 4, 5.